Author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis de Bernières, to switch on the Folkestone Creative Quarter Christmas Lights!

What better way to usher in the festive season than with an evening of light, song, cheer and shopping in the heart of the Folkestone Creative Quarter!

Friday 20 November, 5.30pm

The Old High Street

On Friday 20 November we invite you to gather, sing and be merry at the Folkestone Creative Quarter Christmas Lights Switch On! Our annual event has proved to be a great success, drawing large crowds and bringing Folkestone together as one for a festive celebration! The Christmas Lights Switch On is the perfect outing for all the family and with late night openings and two Christmas markets it is a great opportunity to start hunting for the perfect gift.

The evening begins with a lantern parade meeting outside Debenhams at 4.30pm. Folkestone based company Church and Dwight Ltd will be providing Christmas cheer, lanterns and bags of enthusiasm, preparing our light bearers for the procession. Folkestone choirs will accompany the parade with traditional Christmas carols as the procession makes its way to The Old High Street! On arrival our choirs will step things up with some Christmas favourites that are guaranteed to get you in the spirit!

We welcome award-winning writer and author of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, , who will be switching on The Old High Street's Christmas lights in dual celebration of the Folkestone Book Festival launch. Following the switch on Louis will be discussing his newest book The Dust that Falls From Dreams at Folkestone Quarterhouse at 7pm.

Creative Quarter shops will stay open later for the first official night of Christmas shopping. With items ranging from hand-made jewellery to designer and vintage clothing, original artwork, vinyl records, a vast range of curiosities and mouth-watering food the Creative Quarter is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone. After you've explored why not eat-out in one of our acclaimed restaurants and enjoy award-winning food from around the world! If you fancy a hot drink or something stronger then pop into one of our café bars and sample a wide range of speciality coffees, teas, beers, ales, wines and more! With 10 newly opened shops and two redeveloped buildings there has never been a better time to visit.

This year we welcome two Christmas markets to the Creative Quarter! The Student Makers Market returns to Payers Park with a fantastic selection of independently produced gifts. We are also thrilled to welcome back The Big Blue Christmas Market at 3 -7 Tontine Street, with a great selection of craftwork, art, food and maybe a performance or two! Creative Quarter shops, businesses and artists will also be taking part in our annual Christmas Window Display Competition so be sure to vote for your favourite at www.creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk

Christmas Market Opening Hours

Student Makers Market

Every Fri (2pm - 7.30pm) and Sat (11am - 5pm) from 20 November - 5 December.

The Big Blue Christmas Market, 3- 7 Tontine Street

Every Sat (10am - 5pm) and Sun (11am - 4pm) from 14 November - 13 December.

Special openings on Fri 20 November and 11 December (4pm - 8pm).

For stall enquiries please contact: lemonsandplums@outlook.com